Travel Concepts International Inc. (TCI) was formed by League member Gwen Erwood in 1984, to organize tours, predominately for members of the League of Women Voters  both men and women, a nonprofit, nonpartisan political organization encouraging active and informed citizen participation in the American political system. In 1987, the company was incorporated in the State of New York. The destinations, programs, and dates of travel are determined exclusively by Travel Concepts International. The inspiration for the series is to bring members together to further the League’s position of promoting peace in an interdependent world. Although Travel with the League began exclusively as a League of Women Voters project, our travelers  thanks to word of mouth endorsements  extend beyond League of Women Voters to include AAUW, United Nations Association, Peace Links, Rotary International and friends of those who travel. We share experiences, good humor, and a love of history and culture which are unparalleled. Many of our trips feature optional cultural exchanges and embassy visits, and foster lasting friendships. We carefully plan these Cultural Tours to Better Understand the World and Its People. The greatest compliment is that many members travel again and again, encouraging their friends to join. We sincerely appreciate your trust, and we’ll do our very best to make sure your travel experience is full, rewarding, and great fun! In 2006 we trademarked the name “Serious Traveler,” which is the name of our domain: www.serioustraveler.com, as well as the name of our newsletter. Serious Traveler defines both us and the exceptional people who travel with us. There are many TCI’s but only one Serious Traveler.

Experience the colorful religious festivals of Timkat and Sebaratumu Giorgis, led by richly clad Christians surrounding their rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Make a two-day excursion to soak up the amazing and pristine nature of the Simien Mountains National Park. Ancient Axum, which purportedly holds the Ark of the Covenant. Sip Ethiopia coffee; you are 7 years younger here!

We’ll be in Sofia for the Palm Sunday Festival. In Kazanluk you’ll meet the Thracians. Visit small towns like Koprivshtitsa, Tryavna, Bozhentsi, which you’ve probably never heard of, but will stay in your memory forever. Celebrate Orthodox Easter Sunday in Plovdiv which will be the 2019 Cultural Capital of Europe. Rila Monastery and the Rhodopes, too in the wonderful company of our guide, who will show you places you might never find on your own, and bring them alive with their vast knowledge and love of Balkan culture.

Travelers still charmed with Iran will find new delights. Begin in Ferdowsi’s Mashad and see Omar Khayyám’s Nishapur, then explore the Caspian region, 1,000-year-old village of Masuleh and tea plantations of Fuman via Rasht. On to the resort town of Anzali, Mausoleum of Ardabil, Jolfa with its Armenian Monastic Ensemble, Zanjan, Soltaniyeh, and Tabriz with its bustling bazaar.

Be inspired by the mosaics, architecture and gardens of Persia. See the fabulous crown jewels in Tehran. Persepolis, Shiraz, and Yazd can’t be missed. Stay in a delightful caravanserai in the exquisite and dazzling Isfahan, where you’ll soak up the beauty that has enthralled visitors for centuries.

Take as a short and sweet 9-day trip, seeing just the highlights. Fly direct into Shiraz. We’ll marvel at Persepolis, Naghsh-é-Rostam, Pasargadae. Stroll through the pink-tiled Nasir-ol-molk, Narenjestan house and gardens and pay our respects at the Tomb of Hafez. Enjoy nature and the Bedouin grasslands en route to the Roof of Iran - Shahrekord. Finally see the Pearl of Iran, Isfahan with its Royal Square, its romantic bridges and its beautifully-tiled mosques. Return flight from Isfahan.

Our archaeologist guide will meet you in Tirana and introduce you to Kruja, Durres, Apollonia, Saranda, Gjirokastra, Permet, Korça, and Lake Ohrid. The highlight is the UNESCO site of Butrint, where our host Auron Tare was a founding director.

Experience the colorful religious festivals, led by richly clad Christians surrounding their rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Make a two-day excursion to soak up the amazing and pristine nature of the Simien Mountains National Park. Ancient Axum, which purportedly holds the Ark of the Covenant. Sip Ethiopia coffee; you are 7 years younger here!

Join expert Mauricio for visits to artisan’s workshops in Otavalo, Puyo and Guayaquil. From the Amazon rainforests to the western lowlands, see ancient Inca ruins, the majestic Andes and the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Take the train on Devils’ Nose.